We are a group of Italians living in Barcelona. We are seriously worried about what is happening in Italy; we are joined in this by other friends (not only Italians).

There is of course also a critical situation here, but our feeling is that the situation in Italy is really exceptional, especially as far as culture, ethics and human relationships are concerned.

Racism is increasing, as well as arrogance, abuse of power, repression, corruption, sexism, the spread of mafia culture. No answers are emerging in response to a terrible work situation; …everything is getting increasingly more precarious. Talented and capable people, especially young people, are not valued any more. Everywhere you look there is an increase in jobs for the boys, disregard for the community, unbridled greed and a me-me-me culture.

In Spain over the last months we have seen a lot of articles explaining what is happening in Italy, sometimes in shocked tones and often perplexed, worried and disconcerted.

We have heard about the Roma camps being burnt, the process of closing the doors to immigrants, attacks, more neofascist groups, the army in the streets, loss of freedom, ad personam laws.

From abroad we have the advantage not being directly affected by constant, aggressive (mis)information.

What can we do? First we can reflect, then regroup and try to react. We are convinced that there are millions of voices supporting the resistance, in favour of protecting the land and safeguarding fundamental rights, health services and quality public services.

At the end of this process that has just begun, we would like to organize a shipload of people, departing from Barcelona and arriving in Civitavecchia (or Genova). This will be The Ship of Rights, a reminder of our Constitution and its secular and pluralist origins, with freedom and real democracy at its heart, encouraging participation and transparency: from workplaces, schools, districts, services, from all locations. We are remembering that we have only one planet, our planet. That everyone has the right to exist, to move freely, to travel, to migrate. That lies make things freeze up while the truth is always revolutionary.

We are remembering that art and culture are the very best things produced by human beings, giving happiness to whoever produces them and to whoever benefits from them. That the fact of existing, sometimes, means resisting. We need to defend our dignity and the dignity of others, without losing our capacity to be lucid or our ability to be critical and to judge.

We’d like to create bridges instead of walls.

This is a cry for help and solidarity. We know there are a lot of people looking from the outside at this difficult situation. Join us and help those who are resisting in Italy. We can not leave them on their own.

We are not a political party; we are not a foundation; we do not wave flags, especially not white ones. What we are is a group of citizens with no financing.

Contact us at the following e-mail: contatto@losbarco.org